XC90 towbar does it need cleaned for a friction hitch
 

Just swapped my XC60 for an XC90 & had the dealer fit the Volvo tow bar.

My previous bars have all come painted so had to remove paint to be compatible with the caravans Alde hitch which has friction pads.

The XC90 towbar looks to be self colour metal or it may be lacquered, does anyone know if this bar has to be 'cleaned' before use with wet & dry? Or is it just fine as supplied?

Thanks

The tow ball for my V90cc was cadmium plated when new, but it wore off very quickly in use, leaving bare steel. There was not any noticeable effect on the Alko stabiliser pads and they continue to work well.
The ball now rusts quite quickly between uses, but it cleans up very quickly with a piece of emery paper or some wire wool.

I clean my ball with panel wipe and a scotchbrite pad every time I use it. I spray it with duck oil before storing between uses.

This keeps it clean for the friction pads and stops it rusting in storage between uses.

It was originally painted which I removed with wire wool.

Paul.